Skip to main content
Financial Assistance Hub

Industry approach to dealing with Debt Management Firms

22 November 2020

This industry common approach:

  • outlines a clear set of guidelines for when the banks may consider that a DMF, when representing a bank customer, is not acting in the customer’s interests and banks may approach a customer directly;
  • provides clarity and consistency in how member banks may deal with DMFs, recognising the importance of preserving a customer’s right to engage them, while trying to protect customers where firms may not be acting in their interest, and
  • describes an approach that is consistent with competition law obligations, the Code and other regulatory guidance such as the ASIC/ACCC Debt Collection Guideline (DCG)/RG 271 and the banks’ general responsibilities to their customers.

Download PDF

Latest news

1 / 3
Media Releases
Independent review of Banking Code kicks-off
4 September 2026

The ABA has today announced that former ASIC Deputy Chair Peter Kell will undertake the five yearly independent review of the Banking Code of Practice, the rule book that sets standards of service for customers. The Code sets out consumer protections and safeguards that are in addition to the law for individuals, small business customers… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
Banks welcome designation of Armaguard within Cash Distribution Framework
3 September 2026

ABA welcomes today’s move by the Reserve Bank of Australia to designate Armaguard under the recently legislated Cash Distribution Framework Act. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said this was an important step in providing ongoing stability to the distribution and availability of cash across the economy. “The Cash Distribution Framework is an important piece of regulatory… Read more »

Read more
Transcript
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham transcript of interview on ABC Sunshine Coast with Tim Wong-See
3 September 2026

E&OERadio InterviewABC Sunshine Coast3 September 2026. Topics: Upcoming card surcharge ban Tim Wong-See: Now, from the start of next month, credit card surcharge fees are being abolished following a recommendation from the Reserve Bank of Australia. So, all those extra charges that annoy a lot of you when it comes to tap and pay will… Read more »

Read more